PTSD & Substance Abuse

MISSION

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that results from experiencing a dangerous, frightening, or uncontrollable event such as military combat, violent crime, or a life-threatening accident. The PTSD program is dedicated to providing support for veterans and their families and advocates for the necessary health care to treat PTSD, including diagnoses, research, specialized programs and educational efforts.

VVA’s substance abuse program provides outreach and support for all veterans and their families. The program advocates for the mental health care needed to treat substance abuse, recognizing the continued need for these services for many veterans.

Around 1980, the American Psychiatric Association designated PTSD to describe a delayed-stress syndrome commonly experienced by combat-veterans. Although PTSD is often associated with Vietnam veterans, it appears in veterans of all wars and eras.

HELPFUL DOCUMENTS FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Veterans Crisis Line
24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
If you are interested in joining the Veterans Against Drugs Program please contact: Dave Simmons at 1-800-882-1316 or e-mail dsimmons@vva.org.

Donate

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Many veterans don’t have access to the health care services they need, making it difficult to seek proper treatment. You can help veterans obtain the services they need by making a monetary donation or by donating your used clothes, furniture, and other household items.